Close Protection Teamwork

2

understand how to conduct an operational briefing

Intended Learning Outcomes: By the end of the session trainees will be able to:

1. Describe the attributes of an effective team2. Explain the importance of knowing and using other team members' abilities and

skills3. Explain the importance of personal and team preparation4. State the importance of standard operating procedures (SOPs)5. Describe the importance of effective communication within the Close Protection

Team6. Explain the structure and purpose of operational briefings and de-briefings.

AIM: To discuss the importance of teamwork within Close Protection and to

National Occupational Standards:

3

PCP 2

PCP 3

PCP 5 (SLP2)

PCP 6

PCP 7

Plan and prepare to minimise threat and risk to Principals

Liaise and communicate with Principals and others

Communicate effectively in the workplace

Maintain the safety and security of Principals whilst on foot

Maintain the safety and security of Principals whilst in transit

Employment NTO

UNIT 3

UNIT 5

UNIT 6

UNIT 7

Promote a healthy and safe workplace

Give a positive image of your self

Work effectively with other agencies

Develop your personal networks

UNIT 10 Provide leadership for your team

UNIT 12 Manage your own resources

UNIT 14 Promote equality and value diversity.

CLOSE PROTECTION TEAMWORK

Introduction

The heading is somewhat misleading as the definition of “Team”

might, in many instances be a reference to only one man. This is low

– level protection but quite often, if the level of threat and/or depth of

pocket to provide a solution to the problem is shallow, then one man

will endeavour to cover as many aspects of a full team effort as

possible

He may be personal Bodyguard, Driver, Medic, Social Organiser, and

all round Security Advisor. At the other extreme, a team, if the treat

demands, may amount to excess of 80 people where the main

function of the protective effort are duplicated or even tripled to

account for major shift changes and ongoing team training. Broadly

however there are certain functions which one needs to have in

place. “The protective effort” of two Principal factors:.

4

1. “The Threat and the Client’s willingness to pay”.

Working in a team involves a delicate balance of personality,

expertise, and co-operation. For a team to function, everyone

must keep the best interests of the Principal, company, and

the team in mind. Using a combined team, working

knowledge of all aspects of CP, a Close Protection Team will

lead to a high degree of expertise giving the Principal better

protection.

5

2. The Importance Of Knowing And Using Other Team

Members' Abilities And Skills

The SAS over the years have developed cohesive teams, each

member is skilled in all aspects of soldiering but individuals in the

team are trained in their own personal skill e.g. medic, demolitions or

mechanic. This can also be said for a well- trained Close Protection

Team; all members must have a sound understanding of Close

Protection skills and operation, but also possess individual skills

such as; surveillance, communication and advance driving and First

Aid

There was an instance in Iraq where two Close Protection Teams

working together, fought off 100 insurgents. This was mainly due to

the high level of training in weapons and tactics and also good

communications between CPO’s and teamwork and the

understanding of the word team and individual skills.

Personal and Team Preparation.

All team members are individually responsible for the following:

Personal fitness

Physical health

Personal hygiene

Self Discipline

Self awareness

Continuation training in personal skills

Team preparation is very important in any C P operation.

Preparation can be conducted in many ways, but the most

effective is training and repetition. The more drills are practiced;

the more instinctively they will be executed on the ground.

Walking formations and tactical driving must be instinctive in all

Close Protection scenarios.

7

The Importance of Standard Operating Procedures

(SOPs

8

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are a military

concept. It basically equates to the terms of condition of

employment of which, if you fail to comply, “might” give

reason for you to be discharged from the company

However, SOP’s are intended to act as a ‘guideline’ and the

requirement of the CPO to be flexible at all times often

requires him to adapt to any given situation, which may in

turn require him to adjust the SOP’s to fit

“SOP’S ARE A BIBLE FOR THE FOOL

AND A GUIDELINE FOR A WISE MAN”.

Here is a copy of a set of SOP’s aimed at the Close

Protection Operative:

SECURITY – TRAVEL BY VEHICLE

Introduction

Experience indicates that the most vulnerable period for any

potential attack or kidnap is the time spent travelling between

place of work and residence. Mobile security thus becomes the

most demanding of all aspects of personal security and requires

constant vigilance and the observance of basic rules. The

application of the important Principal of mental awareness,

observation and prompt reaction has proved to be the best form

of defence.

9

Main Aims

1.Deterrence

There are many examples of attack and kidnap gangs turning

their attention away from political victims solely because the

precautions taken by such a target whilst travelling, has made the

outcome unpredictable and risky

2.Recognition of Danger: - “THINK LIKE THE ENEMY”

If attackers plan to attack a potential victim whilst he is travelling

by vehicle they will need to mount prior surveillance, unless they

have reliable information from other sources. This provides an

opportunity for those potential victims who maintain mental

alertness to spot that they are under scrutiny and to take

preventative action.

10

3.Avoidance of Ambush Areas

The alert driver should be able to identify and avoid likely

ambush areas and, if an attack is mounted, know how best to

react and evade the attackers.

11

4.Vehicle Type and Security Equipment

The type of vehicle chosen for regular use and the equipment with

which it is fitted, contribute greatly to the security of the driver and

passengers. A vehicle is not only a fast, comfortable and

convenient method of transport; in an emergency it can also be an

instrument of protection in an attempted ambush

5. The vehicle should:

a)Be first and foremost, inconspicuous; it should be of a type and

colour in common use in the area through which it travelling and

be fitted with local number plates

b)Be robust, reliable and capable of high speed

c)Be able to provide the driver with good all round visibility

d)Be capable of covering long distances on full tanks.

12

6.Vehicles should have the following equipment:

a)At least three large rear view mirrors

b)Strong front and rear bumpers

c)Robust locks, including window locks and central locking

d)Inertia seat belts fitted to all seats

e)Spare tyre, spare fuel, tow rope, jump leads, tool kit

f)Powder or foam extinguisher.

g)First aid kit

h)Powerful torch

i) Local area map

j)Weapons as authorised

k)Spare food and water

l) Radio communications

m)GPS or compass (depending on the situation).

13

14

All vehicles regularly used by persons who are assessed as

being potential targets should be inconspicuously modified

to include:

Extra rear view mirror for passenger

Anti tamper alarm with internal indicator

Additional equipment which may be appropriate for fitting to

vehicle driven in high risk-areas includes:

Siren

Reinforced front bumpers

Bullet resistant windows and windscreen

Run flat tires

Non-burn fuel tank

Armour plating fitted as an anti-ambush precaution

Revolver pocket in front seat

Air conditioning.

Personal Drivers

Company drivers must be carefully vetted prior to

employment on such duties. It is not sufficient that

chauffeurs/drivers can drive well; they must also be fully

competent in defensive driving techniques and possess

security awareness

Every driver should be fully briefed and practised in routine

and emergency procedures relating to:.

15

The secure garaging of vehicles.

Routine security procedures e.g. parking and setting

down/picking up of passenger

The maintenance of the vehicle engine

The checking and searching of the vehicle for explosive

devices

Emergency procedures whilst travelling e.g. breakdown

response to aggressive and non-aggressive surveillance and

attempted attack

The correct response to pre-arranged verbal and visual

distress signals.

16

Route Selection and Timings

The routes most often used and the journeys undertaken

are those between the residence and place of work.

Although choice may be limited, the following criteria should

influence route and time of travel:.

17

The most direct route should not always be used. For regular

journeys use at least three alternative routes

Use routes which traffic can travel unhindered, such as dual

carriageways, major trunk roads

Be vigilant at vulnerable points such as traffic light, road

works, shopping areas, during rush hour

Avoid dark or dimly lit areas in towns and cities

Avoid areas known for high crime rates

Identify all safe havens on route in case of emergency

Avoid routine and timings.

18

Preparation for Journey

The following procedures should be used prior to the

commencement of a journey:

1. Instruct on route selection at the last possible moment.

2. Phone ahead and confirm arrival time

3. When leaving any building do so carefully observing your

surroundings, approach your vehicle with caution

4. Check vehicle for any signs of tampering, if in doubt have

the vehicle searched

5. Always ensure the vehicles fuel tank is at least half full

6. Do not overload the vehicle - it cannot be driven safely,

defensively or evasively

7. Ensure any equipment that may cause harm in the event

of an RTA is secured.

19

Before moving off check the following:

1. Adjust all mirrors

2. Put on seat belts. These should be worn at all times by ALL

persons in the vehicle

3. Lock all doors and keep all windows closed

4. Warm up engine

5. Test Brakes

6. Check for surveillance.

20

Routine Procedures en Route

When travelling, the following procedures should be

followed:

1. Keep at least one car ’s distance between your car and

any vehicle in front, particularly when stopped. This

allows room to manoeuvre if trouble occurs. As a general

rule you should always be able to see the rear bumper of

the car in front

2. Always drive at the fastest, safest, legal speed

3. Keep to the middle or outside lane, especially in heavy

traffic, this makes it more difficult for a driver to force a car

being followed into the kerb

4. Travel in convoy with friends/colleagues; bodyguards

should travel in a separate vehicle in convoy with and

behind your vehicle.21

5. Maintain mental awareness; be sensitive to surveillance

persons in other vehicles

6. Do not offer lifts or open doors or windows to unknown

persons

7. Do not slow down or stop at the scene of an accident

even if your vehicle is directly involved. Proceed directly

to the nearest safe haven and report the accident there

8. If stopped by Policemen or Military at a “suspicious”

road block do not obey instructions to open your doors or

windows, or get out of the vehicle. Offer to follow them to

the nearest Police, Military post, or safe house.

22

Actions on Arrival at Destination

The following procedures should be taken on arrival at a

destination:

1. When approaching your destination, slow down and look

around, if in doubt do not stop, but drive round again. When

satisfied park the car but keep the engine running and be

prepared to move of quickly

2. Always leave the vehicle locked ensuring all doors and

windows are secure, also check that the boot, engine and fuel

cap are secure

3. Park out of public sight so personal movements cannot be

observed

4. Avoid parking in the same place where you are a frequent

visitor

5. Avoid the use of personal parking places.

23

If it is possible to park in a lockable garage this should

consist of the following:

1. Garage should have an internal covered exit way into the

office / property

2. There should not be any delay at the entrance

3. Not until the garage doors are locked behind you should

the occupants unlock or alight from the vehicle

4. The garage should be kept locked at all times when not in

use.

24

Vehicle Maintenance Procedures:

Efficient maintenance of the vehicle is essential to ensure its

reliability and the safety of the passengers. Because of the

ease with which a vehicle can be sabotaged, and because

the occupants of a stationary car are more vulnerable to

attack, the following procedures should be adopted:

1. If possible, minor servicing should be carried out by the

driver

2. Specialist maintenance should be arranged by the driver

with the garage concerned. It should be booked in under

his or an assumed name and not that of the company or

organisation.

25

3. The vehicle should be taken to and collected from the

garage by the driver

4. 2 way radios and other security equipment should be

removed from the vehicle before the vehicle is taken to

the garage

5. The vehicle should be checked on return for any signs of

tampering (including electronic device sweep)

6. The company should select reliable garages to be used

for maintenance and refuelling.

26

Emergency Procedures On Route

27

The actions outlined in the following slides which relate to a

vehicle breakdown, a non aggressive follow and a attempted

kidnap, should be taken when these or similar incidents occur on

route.

Vehicle Breakdown:

In the event of a breakdown:

Get the vehicle off the road immediately; this will avoid a

hold up and prevent attracting attention. Communicate with

your source of help immediately, giving:

1. Your exact location

2. A means of contacting you

3. Reason for breakdown

4. The type of assistance required.

28

5. Your intended actions on repair: either continue journey or

not

6. If the intention is to continue your journey and there is not

safe haven in the immediate vicinity, the passenger

should remain in the vehicle with the windows and doors

locked. However, if there is a strong and safely

constructed building nearby in which you can seek refuge

this should be used

7. Alternatively, drive from the scene in the bodyguard’s

vehicle leaving him with your broken down vehicle.

29

Non-Aggressive Follow:

A non-aggressive follow can be undertaken by one vehicle

following the vehicle occupied by the person being observed but

keeping well back. The purpose of this follow is to take notes and

establish the routines and destinations of the occupants. Actions

to counter a non aggressive should be:

1. Verify the follow by turning off the intended route and returning

to it

2. Drive normally so as not to instigate offensive action

3. If you have confirmed a follow:

a) off the planned route in the general direction of your

b) destination and drive to a safe haven

b) Request the authorities to investigate

c) Communicate with office

d) Observe carefully before deciding to resume your journey.

30

Aggressive Follow:

An aggressive-follow normally involves one or two vehicles

with two or more occupants who make no secret of their

interest in the target vehicle. Their intention could be to force

you into an ambush. Your response should be as follows:

1. Immediately inform a reliable source of assistance, by

radio (if this equipment is fitted)

2. Drive at maximum safe speed to the nearest safe haven,

sounding your car horn

3. On arrival, inform the authorities and security forces and

await their arrival

4. Inform your main office of the incident.

31

Attempted Kidnap:

If a kidnap attempt is made, the response action should be:

1. Try to keep the car moving. This is the most important principle

2. Evade any blocked route by:

A. Driving across the centre of the road or onto the pavement to get past

the ambush. Or:

B. Reversing away from the scene. Or:

C. Knock the blocking vehicle out of the way, but only if this needs a

glancing blow. Do not attempt this is if it likely to immobilise your vehicle

D. Use the vehicle horn and smoke if the vehicle is equipped with this

E. Avoid the use of firearms unless absolutely necessary. The use of

firearms will inevitably provoke retaliation.

CLOSE PROTECTION – ORDERS FOR AN OPERATIVE

These orders apply to all CPO’s on BG tasks. They will be supplemented

by specific instructions regarding each particular operation. These orders

will be administered by the Close Protection Team Commander (Team

Leader). Any breach of these orders will render the offender liable to

disciplinary action by the Company

Professional Attitude

1. All CPO’s must at all times be smartly dressed, and freshly

shaved. Due to the CPO’s close proximity to the Client, his

personal hygiene must be scrupulous

2. You must at all times maintain a disciplined and professional

attitude towards your Client, his/her family, guests and staff

3. A Principal(s) should be addressed by his/her title, which is “Sir” or

“Madam” as appropriate.

33

Punctuality

This is vital, both with your Principal and the rest of your team.

You are to arrive at any briefing or tasking at least 10 minutes

before the start time stated by your Commander

Weapons and Equipment

There will be a local SOP for the storage and use of weapons.

However, it is your response ability to ensure your weapon is

cleaned on a daily basis and properly secured when not in use

Security

Never discuss any security matters pertaining to the Client or the

operation with anyone unless ordered to do so by the Team

Leader. Security is paramount to any Close Protection Operation.

34

Media

Under no circumstances are you to discuss any matter relating to your

tasking with any members of the media. Any requests for information

must be passed to your Team Leader, who must refer

the request to Head Office

Illegal Approaches

Any approach to Clients or Client personnel, of a criminal or even

suspicious nature, is to be reported to the Team Leader

General Points

Smoking on duty is not allowed. No alcohol is to be consumed for 48

hours before any close protection operation

The Close Protection Operative has specific tasks to undertake and must

devote all his attention to these. You must not become involved in non-

security related tasks such as carrying luggage or running errands.Any

Client requests for you to carry out such tasks must be referred to the

Team Leader.

35

36

ORDERS FOR TRAINING AND BRIEFING CLIENTS

To enable the security operation to be as effective as possible, the Client

must undergo familiarization training in a secure environment. This

process is designed to inform and reassure the Client that all reasonable

measures have been taken to enhance their safety, including the

procedures to be employed in the event of an incident

It is the responsibility of the Close Protection Team Leader to

ensure that these orders are followed

Locations

1. The training / briefing location must be secure

2. Consider using the Airport / Safe house. This will need to be secure

3. Project Office - ensure Guard on gate.

Content

1.Welcome/ introduce Close Protection Team(s) / chain of

command

2.Orientation / Map

3.Confirmation of Medical needs

4.Confirmation of itinerary

5.Issue of Passes and insurance cards

6.Introduction to the team weapons and their use

7.Give Evacuation Plan with insurance details.

37

8. Current Intelligence brief

9. Demonstration of team formations

10. Drills while travailing in the vehicle

11. Actions to be taken on the following: Ambush / Explosion

/ Breakdown / Medical Emergency / Check points

12. Location of vehicle in the secure area

13. Seating Plan in vehicle and why

14. Consider “drills” training in vehicles.

38

The Importance of Effective Communication within the Close

Protection Team

As part of the orders process as outlined earlier in this lesson the aim of

orders is:

1. To let everyone know what they have to do

2. To let everyone know what equipment they require

3. And what support they are going to get

Orders are given verbally so that everyone involved in the operation

knows what they are doing and understands their objectives.

Effective communications are vital to close protection operations to

ensure that everyone know what they have to do and who it is to be done.

Regardless of the scope of the CP operation, the officer will have cause to

interact with various elements of society. On a daily basis, a CPO will

communicate not only with his Principal but also colleagues up and down

the command chain. Situations both routine and extraordinary might mean

communicating with the police, emergency services, contractors, security

consultants and gardeners.

The CPO must be able to communicate with these people in

a manner that reflects the professionalism of the security

team and the position of the Principal. A hallmark of the

CPO’s professionalism is the way that he can communicate

with an attitude of calm confidence

Communication skills are quite literally the cornerstone of

being a member of a Close Protection Team. You must

master a variety of communicative skills if you are to be a

successful CPO. As well as basic human instinctive skills we

are born with, you also need to get up to speed very quickly

in the use of Radio equipment along with the procedures that

go with it.

RADIO PROCEDURE

A radio net is a group of stations consisting of a control

station and sub-stations working together for the purpose of

communication. Speech Technique Clear and concise

speech over the radio will result in first attempt transmission

R = Rhythm

S = Speed

V = Volume

P = Pitch

short sentences with a natural rhythm

slightly slower than normal speech

normal during the day quieter at night

slightly higher than normal.

Radio Discipline

The following rules for use on the radio are mandatory on all

radio nets. All stations must:

1.Use the correct voice procedure

2.Maintain a constant radio listening watch

3.Ensure the frequency is correct

4.Answer all authenticated calls without delay

5.Listen before transmitting

6.Avoid unnecessary transmissions

7.Keep transmissions as short as possible.

Once you have established communications with the use of

a radio check you may be required to send a message at

any given time to one or more stations. To set this up you

must first send an initial call as follows:

HELLO

CALLSIGN

TEXT

END

To alert the net

Your call sign

Your message

End of transmission

The Phonic Alphabet:

Alpha,

Hotel,

Oscar,

Bravo, Charlie, Delta, Echo, Foxtrot, Golf,India, Juliet, Kilo,

Papa, Quebec,Lima,

Romeo,Mike, November,

Sierra,

Yankee,Tango,

Zulu.Uniform, Victor, Whiskey, X-Ray,

NUMBERS CODES

Numbers must be said clearly over the radio and are to be

repeated back to you. Say numbers long and over

exaggerate the numbers

CODE RED: All officers to attend contact position. Attack

has broken out or is imminent

CODE BLUE: First aid and medical attention required

CODE GREEN : All is OK.

The Structure and Purpose of Operational Briefings and

De-Briefings

The aim of briefing is to:

1. Inform all involved in the operation what they have to do

2. The current situation on the ground

3. Situation update

4. Warning order

5. Confirmatory orders

6. Formal orders.

THE WARNING ORDER

A Warning Order it is the best way to formulate a quick

assessment. A Warning Order is issued to a Close Protection

Officer as soon as the first news of an assignment is received.

Time must not be wasted waiting before all details of a threat

assessment are assembled. A Warning Order is used as an

advanced order and it will be broken down into the following

subjects:

WHO is our Client?

WHEN is the assignment?

WHAT or who is the immediate threat?

WHERE is the location?.

WHAT equipment is required?

DE- BRIEFINGS

De- briefing is conducted after all Close Protection Operations.

There are many reasons for de-brief; including:

1. As a means to confirm/deny, (through discussion with ALL team

members), if there were any real-time or potential threats

spotted en-route/at the venue, to the Client or Protection Team

2. As a means to confirm/deny any surveillance activity against

the team/Client

3. As a means to update any previously held intelligence on a

venue or routes to and from the venue

SUMMARY

Teamwork is everything when it comes to the application of Close

Protection. Any team is only as good as its weakest link as the

saying goes. The one difference is Close Protection is that you

cannot afford to have ANY weak links.